FA Cup Semi-Finals: Chelsea to Face Leeds, Manchester City to Take On Southampton

The FA Cup semi-final stage has been set, with Chelsea being drawn against Leeds United, while Manchester City will compete against Southampton. Leeds United secured their spot in the semi-finals for the first time in nearly four decades after defeating West Ham in a penalty shootout. They will now face Chelsea, who dominated League One's Port Vale with a 7-0 victory, at Wembley Stadium. Manchester City, who defeated Liverpool 4-0 to reach the semi-finals for the eighth consecutive year, will play against Southampton. The Championship side pulled off a surprise 2-1 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal at St Mary's. The semi-final matches are scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium on either April 25 or 26. For Southampton, who last won the FA Cup in 1976, stopping Manchester City from reaching the final for the fourth consecutive year will be crucial if they wish to replicate their past success. Manchester City, a seven-time FA Cup winner, last claimed the title in 2023 and have suffered losses to Crystal Palace and Manchester United in their last two finals. Chelsea, an eight-time winner, last won the FA Cup in 2018 and will now face Leeds United, a team they previously defeated in the 1970 final. Leeds United bounced back from that loss to win the FA Cup in 1972 but have not progressed beyond the semi-final stage since 1987.